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More than just rich against poor
Every happy family is happy in the same way. Every unhappy family is unhappy in different ways. ― Leo Tolstoy
Every rich person is rich in the same way. Every poor person is poor in different ways. ― Me
No matter their background, better-off Sydneysiders are relatively concentrated in the coastal and leafy suburbs of the East and North. Poorer residents of the city are widely dispersed and seem to have a wide range of reasons for living where they do - whether it's affordable housing, social housing, universities or employment opportunities.
Australia is a country of immigrants – people come here from all over the world looking for a better life. Australia is perceived to be a relatively egalitarian society, and many believe that immigrants are given a 'fair go' - showcased by the many success stories in the media. Common sense tells us though that success stories are not representative of the whole population. What remains invisible is the hardship experienced by the majority of immigrants, resulting from language barriers and the lack of generational wealth.
I made these maps to pay respect to the newcomers, the old timers, the fortunate, and the dispossessed. With an open mind, let's look at how we are all living together and apart in this city. I hope these maps can help you look beyond the obvious income and ethnic divides and seek more meaningful explanations in the patterns you see.
